Watford head coach Beppe Sannino admits attacking improvement is needed but is pleased with the Hornets' defensive solidity

Beppe Sannino is happy with Watford’s defensive solidity but admits improvements do need to be made in attack.

The Hornets have kept seven clean sheets since Sannino’s arrival in December, three of which have come in their last three matches.

While the Hornets are now difficult to break down, their attacking flair, which was so prevalent during the club’s run to the play-off final last season, has been curbed.

Watford have scored 44 goals so far this season compared to 60 at this stage of the 2012/13 campaign.

“Since I joined the club we have improved a lot defensively,” Sannino said.

“We are working a lot on the offensive phase but I know we have to improve on that.”

Sannino says he is a coach that likes his teams to go forward and score goals. But he believes not having the chance to work with the players during pre-season has made it difficult to fulil his vision.

He explained: “The starting point for me is that the ball is with the opposition.

“So we have to get the ball back and then go on to score. This is my vision that I want to bring to Watford.”

“I think Watford should have their own philosophy but this kind of preparation is something you have to do in pre-season ,” Sannino added.

“In pre-season you have the chance to work hard and you can build the personality and the group. It is very important otherwise we would cancel it and just play matches.”

The Hornets head coach stressed the importance of establishing a philosophy which is “based on logic”.

He stressed that a victory can hide “defects” in his side and that a defeat doesn’t mean there were not aspects he was pleased with.

The Hornets, who are unbeaten in their last five Championship matches, travel to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.

It will be Watford’s fifth game in just over two weeks but Sannino says he is enjoying the busy schedule.

“This is my first experience of it but I do like it a lot. It is a championship made for men,” he said.

“If you ask players if they prefer to play or train then they will tell you they prefer to play.

“I think one of the reasons why the Championship is so fascinating is the tight schedule. So I really like this kind of competition.”

He continued: “If you play this kind of Championship then you can have players who grow and can play in the Premier League.

“I think this kind of competition is important for the players and it is a good learning curve for them as professionals.”

Saninno's clever with some of the things he says. Claiming he could achieve more with a pre season in charge, and distancing himself from Nani would appear to be astute moves. He's clearly aiming for a contract extension. With some more entertaining football I think he's got a good chance.

Saninno's clever with some of the things he says. Claiming he could achieve more with a pre season in charge, and distancing himself from Nani would appear to be astute moves. He's clearly aiming for a contract extension. With some more entertaining football I think he's got a good chance.Harry's Bar

Harry's Bar wrote:
Saninno's clever with some of the things he says. Claiming he could achieve more with a pre season in charge, and distancing himself from Nani would appear to be astute moves. He's clearly aiming for a contract extension. With some more entertaining football I think he's got a good chance.

You beat me to it Harry, he clearly wants to be in charge next season and I don't see any reason why not.

[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
Saninno's clever with some of the things he says. Claiming he could achieve more with a pre season in charge, and distancing himself from Nani would appear to be astute moves. He's clearly aiming for a contract extension. With some more entertaining football I think he's got a good chance.[/p][/quote]You beat me to it Harry, he clearly wants to be in charge next season and I don't see any reason why not.Boosey

Beppe certainly deserves a pre-season and a go at the Championship next season (the only reason against that would be if we are already in the prem.....then he fully deserves a crack at that!!)

Beppe certainly deserves a pre-season and a go at the Championship next season (the only reason against that would be if we are already in the prem.....then he fully deserves a crack at that!!)Colin.Foster's.Left.Boot

i think he is right we are weak up front deeney is caught on his heels to often just lately maybe time to rest him for a couple of games time to give the arsenal striker a chance to show his stuff ......just a suggestion.

i think he is right we are weak up front deeney is caught on his heels to often just lately maybe time to rest him for a couple of games time to give the arsenal striker a chance to show his stuff ......just a suggestion.bert slater